Taco hand pies

Mexican · Pastry · 45 min · Serves 4

These crispy, golden hand pies are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and jalapeños—basically a taco you can hold in one hand. Kids and adults alike go crazy for them, and they're perfect for lunch boxes, potlucks, or a fun weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cupsall-purpose flour
• 1 tspsalt
• 6 tbspcold butter
• 6 tbspice water
• 1 lbground beef
• 1 mediumonion
• 2jalapeños
• 2 tbsptaco seasoning
• 1 cupsharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tbspsalsa
• 1egg
• 3 cupsvegetable oil for frying

Method

1. 1

   Make the dough: mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add ice water a little at a time, stirring until just combined. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

   30 min chill

2. 2

   Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat with diced onion and jalapeños, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain fat, then stir in taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese. Let cool completely.

   8 min

3. 3

   Roll dough thin between parchment paper, then cut into 3-inch circles with a glass or biscuit cutter. Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle, leaving a border.

4. 4

   Fold dough in half to form a half-moon. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal. Beat the egg and brush over each pie.

5. 5

   Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry hand pies 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

   5 min

6. 6

   Drain on paper towels and serve warm with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.